Candidates Must Address Child Safety in Early Education Plans

The ongoing debate surrounding early childhood education is intensifying, with mayoral candidates making promises to expand child care options. As discussions focus on funding and accessibility, a critical question remains: how will these plans ensure the safety of children in care?

Emmy Gay, the executive director of the PSFamily Child Care Network, highlighted the importance of safety in child care during a recent interview. She recounted a parent’s experience of struggling to find adequate care until they connected with her network. “I applied for child care three times and was denied. I didn’t know what I was going to do with my baby until I came to your network. I got help, I got approved, now my baby is in a safe place and I’m working,” the parent stated. This story underscores the vital role that reliable networks play in supporting families.

Former Mayor Bill de Blasio initiated the 3K and 4K programs, providing free child care for three- and four-year-olds. Now, candidates are pledging to extend care to all two-year-olds. While these initiatives are promising, Gay warns that expanding access without ensuring safety is inadequate. “A seat without safety is like saying dinner is on the house but forgetting the food,” she cautioned.

The current discourse is heavily weighted on financial aspects—who pays, who qualifies, and what subsidies cover. Nevertheless, parents are asking the essential question in the quiet of the night: will my child be safe? Gay emphasized that safety checks and regular oversight are critical components of effective child care.

In her role, Gay oversees one of the largest Department of Education (DOE) networks in Brooklyn and Queens. Tragically, she noted that two babies have died in unmonitored programs that were not part of the DOE network. “These deaths were preventable,” she asserted, pointing out that lack of supervision and oversight contributed to these incidents.

When children are enrolled in family daycares affiliated with DOE networks, they benefit from regular safety checks, trained staff, and a support system for parents. Conversely, those in unaffiliated programs often lack this crucial oversight, which can lead to dangerous situations. Gay likens this scenario to ensuring a building has locked doors while leaving windows wide open—an illusion of safety that can quickly become compromised.

Family daycares provide an environment where infants can thrive. They offer small spaces and consistent caregivers, essential for young children’s development. Schools, on the other hand, are not designed for infants—they lack the necessary facilities for diaper changes and quiet naptime.

As candidates present their platforms, Gay urges them to focus not only on the number of available seats or funding amounts but also on how they will enhance safety measures within DOE networks and family daycares. “Parents do not want slogans. They want to know one thing: who will keep my baby safe?” she stated emphatically.

The conversation around early childhood education needs to shift towards ensuring that safety is a priority, alongside access. As the election approaches, it is imperative that candidates articulate clear strategies for maintaining safety standards in child care, addressing the concerns of parents who seek peace of mind as they return to work.

For more information about the PSFamily Child Care Network and its initiatives, you can follow them on social media at @theflourishingchildren and @psfamilynyc.